(archived) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A

Professional truck drivers deliver the goods that keep America and our economy in motion!

Truck driving is not just a job; it is the beginning of a professional career. There is a shortage of drivers because the demand for professional truck drivers is growing faster than the number of new drivers entering the field. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License today and get on the road to success.

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Levels of training offered

This page offers information about CDL Class A, but further training is available at Tooele Tech.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)–Class A

Class A CDL’s are needed for operating any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and transporting a trailer with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) over 10,000 pounds with that vehicle.

Class B CDL

What type of job can this training lead to?

Professional
Truck Driver

Est. Average Salary for Professional Truck Driver in Utah: $32,740 – $43,360*Where do we get our numbers?Barak Prindle
Employed with: Werner and Schneider
When I was laid off from my job as a telecom manager in a career field that supported me for the past 45 years, I wasn’t sure what the future might hold for me professionally. I’ve always enjoyed driving, so I set out to attain a CDL. After a very disappointing experience with one of the trucking company schools in Salt Lake, I began to pursue alternative training. I was pleased to find that Tooele Tech had a program offered at a very reasonable rate. The class sizes were small, which afforded the instructors more one-on-one time and allowed the students more time behind the wheel. Jeff and Tim made the entire experience very enjoyable. We survived the snow and cold and had a lot of fun doing it!I have since moved to Houston, TX, and have driven for Werner and Schneider. I am pursuing a local position to maximize time at home with family.In closing, I would like to say that Toole Tech, its staff, facilities, and instructors are all top
-notch. I want to thank everyone involved for instilling the confidence in me to complete the course and open doors to many possibilities. And proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
-Barak P.

Est. Average Salary for Professional Truck Driver in Utah: $32,740 – $43,360*Where do we get our numbers?Jantzsen Stallings
Employed with: N/A
Being taught by Tim and Jeff was a blast! I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for them. The training was hands
-on and we were rarely in the classroom. The course was just what I needed to have a successful career and future.
– Jantzsen S.

Course Overview

Instructors

Documents

Requirements

(archived) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A

The CDL program prepares students through classroom and hands-on driving instruction to apply for and receive their CDL A license. Instruction will cover safety, control systems, vehicle inspections, regulatory requirements, backing, drop and hook, speed and space management, night and extreme driving conditions, preventative maintenance, cargo management, documentation requirements, trip planning, parking lot maneuvering, mountain driving, public and employer relations, emergency parking and chain up.

Program Objectives
Competencies for the CDL program include:

Competency in performing pre- and post-trip inspections and developing habits and knowledge of proper backing techniques for tractor and trailer.
Comfortable and competent with dropping and hooking of trailers.
Proficient in driving in city and highway situations, with proper shifting techniques.
Competency in mountain driving situations, with proper shifting techniques as well as night time driving situations.
Proficient at chain up procedures, using sight and speed management practices and efficiently and safely securing cargo.
Competent with using and maintaining log books.

View Full Program Description | Articulation
Average Program Length: Approximately 160 hours

Average Cost: $2,902*
*Estimate based on course cost, books and fees. All costs are subject to change.

Hours of Availability:
Tooele Tech Campus
88 S. Tooele Blvd., Tooele

Tooele Tech offers day and evening hours for students. Our open/entry open/exit schedule allows students to start any given week. Please call of come in to speak with enrollment staff for more information and to check availability.

7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (will include evening and possible Saturday driving hours as needed)

Program
Instructors

Department Phone:

(435) 248-1874

Tim Booth

tbooth@tooeletech.edu

Jeff Thompson

jthompson@tooeletech.edu

Downloads

Links

Commercial Driver's License Program Information Sheet

(archived) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A

Math & English Levels: 6th grade math and 8th grade reading levels.

Occupation & Licensure Requirements:

As a general rule, students should miss no more than two days during this defined course.
Homework will be required throughout this course.
Students who do not pass their CDL test are financially responsible for the cost of the retake.

On the first day of class, students need their Program Kit, purchased at the Tooele Tech bookstore.
The kit includes:

Duffel Bag – $9.99
JJ Keller Entry level Training Obtaining CDL Student Manual – $44.07
JJ Keller Driver handbook kit ( HOS, Safety Regulation, Cargo Securement, and CSA handbooks) – $43.23
JJ Keller Hours of Service & Drivers Logs Workbook – $15.37
JJ Keller Vehicle sizes and weight handbook for drivers – $11.87
Tooele Tech Pre -Trip Book $18.48
3 ring binder – $4.15
CDL Divider tabs – $1.97
6″ Plastic Ruler – $1.01
Flashlight – $7.99
Kit organization charge – $1.87
Total: $160

Other items needed are:

Notepad and writing utensils
Work Gloves Estimated cost for these items: $25 – $40

What are some examples of skills I will learn?

Control systems and vehicle inspections

Students will learn through hands-on training about what each gauge and instrument in the vehicle does and what normal measurements should read. They will know how to do a proper daily vehicle inspection and are provided with a visual inspection memory aid.

They will study the FMCSR’s hours of service, keep accurate daily logs of driving and learn other related activities.

Backing, dropping and hooking trailers

Students will learn multiple backing maneuvers using the onsite backing range.

They will practice how to hook up to a trailer safely and how to unhook a trailer safely using guidelines from the Utah CDL handbook and J.J Keller videos.

Night driving and extreme driving conditions

Students will learn hands-on behind the wheel if these conditions are available. Two night drives are required during the course.

If conditions are not in season they will utilize the driving simulator, watch videos, and study work books about precautions needed when experiencing these conditions.

Any examples of where I could work?

OUR EMPLOYER PARTNERS
Tooele Technical College partners with local industry leaders to provide relevant training to meet workforce needs. Their input shapes the learning experiences and prepares students for employment upon program completion. These partners provide amazing employment opportunities for our students once they complete their training.

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Training at Tooele Tech is different, in a good way.

While we do teach individual courses, our main focus is providing training to you as an entire program.

Training in your program will give you the real on-the-job skills necessary to start a new career.

Course: Learn a specific skill.

Program: A collection of courses that upon completion grants a certificate and a path to a career or further training.

Planning your next steps is a lot easier with professional guidance.

Tooele Tech has Success Advisors and Instructors who can help you figure out costs and a schedule. Our number one goal is to help you get the information you need in a stress free environment.

Speak With An Academic Advisor Chat Online #435-248-1800 More Information